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Mass. State Police trooper struck, dragged by drunken driver

A Lynn man has been arrested after hitting and then dragging a Massachusetts State Trooper while driving drunk.

Police were assisting a crash on Route 93 north around 11 p.m. Wednesday when a car stopped next to the scene - in the only open lane of traffic - and began trying to take pictures.

A trooper told the driver, later identified as 30-year-old Jose Molina of Lynn, to put away his phone and keep driving. Molina did not listen and the trooper asked him again, to which Molina then cursed at him. He slowly began to drive away. The trooper then asked him to pull over, but Molina again did not listen.

A second trooper came over and told Molina to stop. Instead, Molina drover faster, striking the trooper with his side view mirror. When Molina slowed down again, the trooper reached into the car to try to turn off the ignition, but Molina grabbed the troopers arm and accelerated, dragging the trooper along the outside of the car.

After about 15 yards, the trooper was able to break free and fell to the ground and Molina sped away on Route 93 in Braintree.

The trooper got up, broadcast the description of Molina's car - a silver 2005 Honda Accord - and got in his cruiser to pursue him.

After a brief pursuit, troopers were able to stop Molina. As they arrested him, police say he was uncooperative and showed signs of intoxication.

As troopers searched Molina's car, they found a Corona beer and a Dunkin Donuts cup containing what they believe to be an alcoholic beverage.

Molina sustained a minor cut on his hand and was taken to South Shore Hospital for treatment before being released into state police custody.

Molina was booked on the following charges:

  • Improper use of a mobile phone while driving
  • Negligent operation of a motor vehicle
  • Assault and battery on a police officer
  • Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon
  • Operating under the influence of liquor
  • Resisting arrest
  • Failure to stop for police
  • Speeding
  • Possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle
  • Passing violation
  • Seatbelt violation

The trooper who was struck and dragged was also taken to South Shore Hospital where he was treated for a minor injury and released.

In court Thursday, Molina's wife told Boston 25 News reporter Bob Ward that her husband Jose Molina is an Uber driver. She said he was driving for Uber last night, but does not know if he was when the incident happened.

Bail for Molina was set at $2,000.

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